24. Translation of Some Oracle Inscriptions Unearthed at the Plain of Zhou with a Consideration of Their Dating and Origin

Abstract

On the basis of his annotated translation of two of the oracle bones (H11:1 and H11:84) excavated at Zhou yuan in 1977, the author contends that they are not records of Zhou but of Shang, which were brought into the heartland of the Zhou from Anyang, and not by the Zhou after their conquest of Shang, but somewhat earlier by the Shang themselves. The find is linked to Di Xin's campaign against Zhou and Wen Wang's subsequent captivity, both of which are recorded in early historical sources. A radiocarbon date of 1095 ± 90 B.C. is used to “date” the burning of the Zhou palace to the Shang attack, which is traditionally said to have taken place in the 23rd year of Di Xin's reign.